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A couple of weeks ago the Sharks played their Currie Cup semi-final match against the Cheetahs in front of a near empty GROWTHPOINT KINGS PARK stadium. Maybe this was not the most successful season the boys have had in recent years, but it certainly also was not the worst season that they have had in recent memory either. The 8th position the Sharks managed on the Super Rugby log, missing out on a play-off position, was the worst the Sharks have done since 2010 when they ended 9th on the log, but that year the Sharks also had stadium attendance of over 35 000 for the semi-final against the Bulls (in torrential rain) and were at just about full capacity for the for the final against Western Province. And this was a mere 3 years ago.

The sixth spot the Sharks managed for the 2011 and 2012 Super Rugby campaigns to squeak into play-off spots those years, were also just a little better than the eight spot of 2013, although last year the boys did manage to overcome the odds and make it to the Super Rugby final for the first time since 2007. This could well have had an impact on attendances for semi-finals and finals of the Currie Cup, since attendances for both these years were far superior, to what we saw this year. The 2011 semi-final played against the Cheetahs at Kings Park was played in fair weather, which could easily be seen as the reason for the good attendances that year, but the 2012 semi-final, only a year ago, was again played against the Bulls in awful conditions, again attracting crowds of 30 000 and over.

When I brought the issue up just after the semi-final it seemed that the topic drew some discussion, while some were as appalled as I was with the attendance (seemingly because of the threat of weather), others had excuses, or reasons why they weren’t coming to the stadium, or why they felt people weren’t coming to the stadium and to be fair, they were all legitimate in their own way. My opinion has always been (and this also got quite a reaction), that if you are a fan, and you are able to (geographically, physically, financially, schedule permitting), you will show up no matter how well or how badly your team has been performing and regardless of weather conditions or stadium conditions. But while the few fanatics will continue to insist any true supporter will show up no matter what, the fact is that the majority of the supporters did not show up this year. The fanatics will always come, but what about the Mother who supports the Sharks by bringing her children each week, or the older couple that always came for their favourite braai spot under that tree or friends that got together at the game over the weekends just to hang out? So what if the game was their secondary focus. They were at the game and that’s all that mattered.

Somewhere something went wrong and it seems the reasons that people had to come to the game other than the game itself, are not getting them to the game anymore. Fewer parking spaces, close to the stadium, under trees for a good pre or post game braai atmosphere, because of the giant eyesore that is Moses Mabhida, does not help, neither does the new – ‘no drinking on outfields rule’ – the only things that I can think of that changed since attendances dropped, aside from perhaps the global financial crises.

The point is, I want the stadium to be full again, just check out a couple of clips on Youtube of some of the highlights of the plenty semi-finals and finals the Sharks managed to bring to us over the past few years. The atmosphere at those games is something you would not trade for many things. The question is what do you think the Sharks need to do to get people back to the games. The Chairman of the Sharks Season Ticket Association sent a email out to this year’s season ticket holders asking that they send their suggestions, which he will pass on to our CEO, John Smit. This is your chance, what is your complaints about Kings Park, why did you rather stay at home watching the game on SuperSport instead of going to the stadium this year? And even if you wanted to go, but just couldn’t, what is your suggestions to fill up the stadium?

160 Comments

Drop ticket prices or even make entry free,I am sure if yo have free entry and advertise it properly you could pull in atleast 30 thousand a week and with that amount of people companies will pay so much more for advertising in the staduim wich should make up for the free entrance.

Comment 1, posted at 11.11.13 10:11:13 by ivancb

1. Look at the cost of tickets, maybe reduce the prices for the Currie Cup i.e. rather have a full stadium everytime with tickets R10 cheaper than just 5000 people at the regular price.

2. More warm up games before the main events i.e. school games, club games, kiddies games (get the mommies back and supporting)

3. Buses to collect fans from designated areas e.g. Riverside etc

4. Sort out how Computicket allocates seats and ensure this is correct.It can be very confusing, not just for the fans, but also for the security staff at Kingspark themselves (when I asked them for assistance they were as confused and frustrated as I was).

5. Target the teen market, make it cool to go to the rugby again with bands, ticket giveaways at schools etc.

Comment 2, posted at 11.11.13 10:11:26 by StevieS

As always I will be at the stadium for every game I possibly can. But I think the rule on no alcohol on the outer fields should be relaxed and security rather beefed up a bit (And by that I mean, get bigger security guards, not these hobbits they have at the stadium, I mean have you seen the size of the average rugby watching male?). A rejuvenated and fresh pre-game entertainment routine would also be welcome. Upgrade the PR system. The speakers at the Tank is so crap, when that boring announcer does his usual monologue before a game, you cant make out anything he says. Get security to patrol through the stands during matches, this might not seem like much, but it would make the people with kids feel more safe.

Comment 3, posted at 11.11.13 10:17:56 by KingRiaan

They should have braai areas, pre-booked spots, or open spaces specifically for braais. Use Moses mabhida as entertainment or for watching pre-games. Have the pre-games on the big screen in the stadium. There should be half-time entertainment. The 5 minutes extra sure feels like forever when your sitting in usually bad weather just waiting for the game to start.

Comment 4, posted at 11.11.13 10:25:20 by Stitch

They should get sponsors to have prizes, everybody loves a competition where you have a chance to win a car. Having the match build-up from super sport on the big screen, Super Sports has worked really hard to make the match build-up interesting, and even though I always go to the home games, I record the mach build-up and try to watch it when I get home.

Comment 5, posted at 11.11.13 10:26:27 by Stitch

Unfortunately I don’t think the main focus should be on the rugby itself, because the 5000 supporters will be there during the good the bad and the ugly,but we are not a large enough city to have 40000 Shark fanatics, you should make the 16-30 year olds pick the stadium as a choice for their Saturday night entertainment. Give them a reason why they should go to the stadium for 2-3 hours on a Saturday even if the Sharks are last on the log.

Comment 6, posted at 11.11.13 10:27:02 by Stitch

1)Ticket prices.
2)Cheaper Season Tickets (Without all the added benefits that no one uses)
3)More school games (however don’t want to see DHS and kearsney every weekend, give the so called smaller schools a chance to play as well.
4)more CC games to PMB, Empangeni, Port Shepstone. People drive up to 4 hours to be at a sharks game in Dbn, other than that, we all tired of seeing the same darn games. we played the Cheetahs 3 times this year at KP. No one wants to see repeated games over and over. I know this is due to the failed S15 structure, but spread the CC games to other sub unions and let them host some games. This would be great for not only development but also to bring in numbers.

Comment 7, posted at 11.11.13 10:28:48 by Uli

Great guys, keep them coming.

Comment 8, posted at 11.11.13 10:33:21 by Letgo

I really think the area available for pre or post braai is a big problem. since we bought season tickets and the children collected the signatures of the players. we always had a braai, while they waited for their precious signatures. They are grown up now, but I can imagine a parent waiting up to 2 hours for a kid and you cannot wait in the car, because the parking is too far. We use to braai and they walked across the road to the parking area and had their meal.

Comment 9, posted at 11.11.13 10:37:13 by Stef

I forgot to add, the seats are so darn small and being sandwiched between to guys is not on after paying your premium to see the game.. Being comfy is also important considering you spend so much bucks to be there.

To add to this, the last game I attended in dbn was when the sharks played the crusaders this year, and after that game I honestly decided never gain due to the terrible seating there. This was in the Zululand rugby unions box on the main stand.

Comment 10, posted at 11.11.13 10:37:47 by Uli

I think the Sharks would concentrate on bringing back the pre- and post game braai/party atmosphere at has been lost because of Moses Mabhida.

The parking just behind the swim stadium is big enough, but it is muddy and dark and because it is far from the stadium, no one feels like staying to braai in the mud. If this area is properly concentrated on and converted into a proper braai, entertain, park area it could help that people come back. Have golf cars drive supporters to and from their cars (for those who want it, I don’t mind the walk). Put in a few braais and covered areas and grass and trees – Even maybe a stage where a live band can play and speakers all over the place. Or put up a couple of big screens before the game and after the game where other matches can be viewed, or even where the analyses of the game can be done and shown to fans at the game.

Comment 11, posted at 11.11.13 10:47:59 by Letgo

@Stef (Comment 9) :
I agree with that. If the parking behind the Kings Park Swim stadium is used, the walk or transport (golf carts) to and from the car, should be save for younger children to do on their own. In other words the heavy traffic that they would have to negotiate and the almost 1km from the stadium, would mean the age of kids waiting for autographs on their own would be much higher.

Maybe the Sharks can have the players go out to the newly revamp parking (with the stage and the band) and give their time to the fans for a while.

I remember they used to braai behind Kings Park (that’s where I did my autograph hunting in the old days), but my parents didn’t mind me walking back over the road (to where Moses Mabhida is now). I don’t think they would have like me walking to all the way behind the Kings Park swim stadium.

Comment 12, posted at 11.11.13 10:54:11 by Letgo

Need to have a family area like they have at the Cheetahs stadium,no drinking and swearing within that area or you are removed,must say it was very enjoyable.

Comment 13, posted at 11.11.13 10:54:50 by bobby 26

People are always telling me how they miss so much of the game at the stadium, it’s better to watch at home. The big screen needs to be improved as it isn’t actually that big a screen anyway. Also the speakers are rubbish, you can hardly make out what is being said.

Is there no way a ear piece or radio something can be sold so you pick up commentary. If you are not the most loyal of watchers or knowledgeable about the game you can get lost without the commentators. I know they have things like this for the referees in the UK so why can’t commentary be worked into this? Don’t they broadcast commentary on the radio anymore?

Honestly, knock it down and make it another club field which can be used for braais etc on game day. Play at MM. I have a season ticket at kings park, I went to about half the games this year, same issues every time. Unless you are 5ft tall and built like a pencil you cannot sit comfortably.

This is a point I’v made a few times. I live in Toti and less than 1 km from my house is the train station. There is a station right outside Kings Park. I’d love to catch the train there and back again but I won’t step on a train at the best of times never mind at night after a few beers. Why can’t their be security on the trains. Can the Sharks not do a deal with the police? This way the public are using the trains, money for the municipalities.

If the trains can’t be sorted then I reckon bus services would be quality. Maybe one each to the North, West and Southern suburbs everyone gets on at a central point and get dropped off again a few hours after the match.

1. stop giving ALL the prime seats away to season holders
2. get the parlotones to write us an anthem
3. invite 2 huge schoolboy hostels in free of charge example
Glenwood vs DHS every game day. Let them sit on opposite sides
and try outdo eachother.
4. More ladies days. Ladies pay nothing.
5. Get the Parlotones to write us an anthem
6. Drop the price for parking.
7. The live shows outside are a good idea, but the bands SUCK
everytime. Throw in a couple decent bands, so it will feel more
like a package deal
8. Win mathces
9. Get the parlotones to write us an anthem
Still the best stadium in the world.

Comment 17, posted at 11.11.13 11:11:13 by West Indies Cricket Board

Eish. Anyone but the parla tone deafs but ja a good team anthem could be a good idea. Maybe allow ppl to bring in thier own snacks cos a coke and a hot dog for me and the wife is over 50 bux and after buying your tickets thats alot of money. Also agree with an earpiece for commentary and upgrade the big screen maybe and another screen

the biggest thing i can think of is when i lived in the township we had a problem with transport.for soccer ppl organise buses and nobody does this for rugby. and they also need to start going to schools and work with the local party spots like tiger tiger and have give aways and shark theme nights that will make sure the teen and young adults come to the games with they girlfriends and friends. they need to realize its not just about rugby anymore people wanna have other entertainment and feel safe! we need proper security guards not these thin tiny people we have at the moment. i often finish work at 16:30 on saturdays and more often than not miss part of the game but its not a problem because i know when we go theres atleast 15 other people comming with me and have a plan for the night after rugby,rugby is just part of the night and if the powers that be can organise things after rugby nd before lots more people can come.i dont think its a money issue at all bcz if people have fun they gonna feel like its money well spent. on friday i attended a sports and rec breakfast held by the manucipality of ethekwini and i was representing my sailing school and those guys can help with logistics like transport if the sharks rugby union works with them and get more people from the townships to come they are very open and are working hard to transform the game in the rural areas. and if you like i can email you the email of the lady in charge on tuesday when i get to work

Comment 20, posted at 11.11.13 11:20:43 by Poisy

@Michael (Comment 16) : I also live in Toti, and me and my mates have discussed the trains a lot before. Its a straight line, 45 minutes trip from Toti to MM Station, and it could be so much fun going on a trip like that with a bunch of mates.

Comment 21, posted at 11.11.13 11:25:44 by KingRiaan

Move to Moses Mabhida

Comment 22, posted at 11.11.13 11:34:22 by Morné

@Morné (Comment 22) : we can’t because the f*knut outgoing CEO sold the stadium naming rights for 3 years.

But I agree… move to Moses Mabhida, knock down King’s Park and increase the outfields and parking areas instead. The old argument that Moses Mabhida wasn’t big enough no longer cuts it because King’s Park is never full anyway… and that applies to the boxes too

Don’t think ticket prices will make much difference… already reasonably low. I think the biggest factor is that there just is too much rugby these days.

Maybe better pre-game and half-time entertainment. So you’re not just coming for the rugby (which you can get on TV), but something extra that you wouldn’t get at home. They’ve got to think out of the box here and go really BIG!

If this is an option to consider in 3 years – Please test it out and see what the fans think after a few games there. I have a strong feeling that most people will be disappointing with the distance between the stands and the field (up to 50m in some areas.)

Comment 25, posted at 11.11.13 11:43:28 by Letgo

@robdylan (Comment 23) : He had to earn his “golden handshake” somehow

I’d be really sad if they moved to MM. 30m – 50m from the game. I don’t know if I would still go to every game. Not that it matters if more people are coming, but obviously it would be sad for me personally, because I love watching rugby at KP.

Comment 27, posted at 11.11.13 11:45:23 by Letgo

@Letgo (Comment 25) : Fans may be disappointed with the distance to the field… but they certainly won’t be disappointed with the improved distance between their knees and the chair in front of them!

Comment 28, posted at 11.11.13 11:45:25 by CS

Ticket prices will have little if any affect on attendance.

On Women’s day the Sharks gave away free tickets to all women and children. And how many showed up? Hardly anyone.

There was also a more recent free ( or greatly reduced) ticket offer and nobody bothered to take up the offer.

I know, it’s a little uncomfortable, but there’s ways of working on that at KP without ruining the atmosphere of being so close to the action.

I went to Loftus a while back, the seating is still pretty uncomfortable, but already I was very far away from the game. It’s the best thing about KP.

Comment 30, posted at 11.11.13 11:46:55 by Letgo

@Letgo (Comment 27) : We’ll all be sad initially, because King’s Park has awesome history… but just like we all got over the name change from the “banana boys” to the “sharks”… with time we will look back and wonder what all the fuss was about

Comment 31, posted at 11.11.13 11:48:01 by CS

@Letgo (Comment 12) : what is wrong with the existing parkings on KP 2,3,4,5, 8,9 & 10? Why move the braai all the way to the other side of the pool?

I agree, but maybe it is at least worth trying for a full season or maybe these tickets should be distrabuted to people who will most likely use it, at schools or Malls, or somewhere, where you advertise it while giving it away.

Comment 35, posted at 11.11.13 11:52:06 by Letgo

@CS (Comment 31) : Remember that to be a success they need to be targeting the “next generation” of Sharks supporters… and these lads (and gals) won’t have the same emotional connection to KP.

Just like the modern game dictated modern branding… so the modern game demands a modern stadium with “modern” pre- and post-game entertainment

Comment 36, posted at 11.11.13 11:52:38 by CS

Talking about live shows outside with bands that suck and then suggest the Parlotones write our anthem!

I would be able to get past the “emotional connection” if I thought the experience at MM would be any better or even on par. Yes, if MM was going to be full every weekend while KP attracts 10 000 or so, then MM will be better, because more people, better atmosphere, but just for watching rugby or any sports even, KP is better.

If they can somehow improve on the distance between the pitch and the supports, I would start to get on board with the idea, but I’ve been to MM for Soccer, Cricket and concerts – and the seats are way to far away from the action for the experience to have been enjoyable.

I think there are numerous issues not just 1. Some unfortunately cannot be changed, others possibly. So firstly the weather, Durbanites do not go to sporting events in bad weather- its a fact and its not going to change no matter what! And these last 2 CC seasons have been plagued with horrid weather on match days. Secondly the 1 thing that drew crowds to Kings Park was the after game braai and party on the outer fields. The ban on alcohol on the fields has had a massive impact on the number of people coming to games, especially those that game more for the party but also kind of liked the game. If that ban isnt lifted numbers will continue to dwindle. The pre and post match entertainment on the outerfields could be improved, but again whilst there is the alcohol ban its no point wasting money on the entertainment. Ticket prices go hand in hand with the weather. Yes prices are a bit steep but I dont think that in isolation keeps people away. Its the prices as well as weather etc. So if I had 1 massive piece of advice- get the alcohol ban lifted and introduce more security on the outer fields before and after games. Do that first and numbers will come back. Then drop prices and more will come. And then thirdly improve the pre and post match entertainment and watch the stadium fill again.

@Richard Ferguson (Comment 47) : Fair enough but my feeling is most people of kzn have at least been to KP once in their life if they watch rugby. Based on that they decide if they would like to return or not. Now lets say KP and MMD is there in a arm wrestle, what would the experience of seeing the actual game live at MMD vs KP?

“Season ticket holders unable to attend a game can make their ticket available once the match is sold out“

Comment 67, posted at 11.11.13 12:10:46 by robdylan

@robdylan (Comment 67) : mmm yea didn’t see that part, but they should change that for the Sharks.

Comment 68, posted at 11.11.13 12:12:01 by Uli

To add.. I believe the average age of the kings park crowd is going steadily upwards. Instead of Barry’s old school classics soft rock adult contemporary cover band, why not get DJ whatsisface that the 20 something’s are into, or the latest pop tartlet from one of these singing competitions on the stage after the game?

Comment 69, posted at 11.11.13 12:12:08 by The Quirk

so if the thinking is to allow people to buy “better seats” from season ticket holders, it’s no dice.

Bear in mind that from a purely financial point of view, it’s far better for the Sharks for an already-paid-for seat to be empty than for it to be sold to somebody else by the ticket holder. The thinking is that if that “somebody else” is unable to buy the seat form the season ticket holder, they’d need to buy a different one from the union. That’s more tickets sold overall.

Comment 70, posted at 11.11.13 12:12:36 by robdylan

1 – Move to the MM and turn KP into a giant braai/market/bar/restaurant/family/event venue
2 – Get a pre and post entertainment atmosphere
3 – Make the game more rich ie earphones for commentary, big screens showing replays, what about those massive flames, what happened to the spa baths full of people, dare i say it better chearleaders, STOP PLAYING THE SAME CD ON THE INTERCOM!!!! get a real vibe going not 90′s through backs
4 – make the ticket prices cheap and start getting fuller stadiums and make it a trend
5 – have school rugby during the day and get the kids in
6 – Get better security
7 – get people in from all over, you just one bus from toti south coast, pmb etc
8 – some games in other regions ie pmb
9 – have the plays interact with the fans afterwards

We were the first rugby team to before pro for the spectators but since then we stood still and everyone went past us….look into the NFL and NRL and see how they make it a event you will never forget….this should be the norm going forward…and im going to say this again….SOMEONE PLEASE STOP PLAYING THE SAME CD FROM 90′s!!!! Its depressing, Teens dont want to hear chumbawanba and all the old crap

Before we all jump on the lets move to Moses Mabhida bandwagon lets first think of the logistics and finances for the Sharks. If they moved they would then be renting at a much higher cost. The changerooms would have to be modified as there arent 23 lockers so that would be at Sharks cost. So any guessing what ticket prices would cost? Before we answer that think of the loss in revenue from Corporate boxes as companies would not be able to own boxes like they do at Kings Park, they would have to rent.The field surface breaks up during a soccer match, any guesses what it would do during rugby in the rain? So the pitch would have to be relaid, again Sharks expense. So ticket prices? Ive watched many a soccer game at MM and yes the stadium is fantastic and the vive even for Amazulu games is great and ive said if Kings Park had that same sound system and DJ concept rugby would be a party. So maybe look at that before we say lets move.

Comment 74, posted at 11.11.13 12:14:12 by SheldonK

First thing to try should be a tv blockout in a radius of +/- 100km around the stadium.

Comment 75, posted at 11.11.13 12:16:22 by Salmonoid the Subtle

@SheldonK (Comment 74) : I agree, I see ticket prices go up if we had to move. MDD costs a crap load of $$$ to rent this I know as my mate works there.

Comment 76, posted at 11.11.13 12:18:36 by Uli

@SheldonK (Comment 74) : reality is that moving is off the table for the next 3 years at least. We simply have to make the best of what we have at Kings Park.

John’s problem, though, is balancing the long-term strategic plan (which I’m sure DOES include moving to MM) with the short-term need to get fans back into the stands. Can he justify, for instance, the const of redoing all the seating to address comfort, if that’s on;y going to be for 3 years? My gut feel is probably not.

Upgrading the AV should be doable, though…. that’s something I would imagine needs to be looked at every 5 years minimum anyway, but knowing van Zyl, probably something he didn’t spend any money on at all.

Comment 77, posted at 11.11.13 12:19:42 by robdylan

@SheldonK (Comment 74) : Thats crap…im sure you have the barging power of a blind deaf mute you could get MM to trail a season where you pay the bare minimum in rent just to see if it would take off, that way there is not 2000 year commitment

@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 75) : That is not practical. I recon if you actually make rugby more viable to the people of south africa, so that they dont have to pay such a huge premium to dstv to watch rugby on tv, more people would see it and would want to go to KP and watch it live, Sharks rugby needs to get the people who has never been to KP there. Rugby in general is so limited tv wise, and not allot of kids get to see it.

Comment 80, posted at 11.11.13 12:22:01 by Uli

@robdylan (Comment 77) : Rob you are talking like its pretty much a done deal that they would be leaving KP.

Comment 81, posted at 11.11.13 12:24:05 by Uli

@robdylan (Comment 70) : That makes financial sense but for the sake of this article and the the reality of the situation I think it must now be about getting bums on seats first…things need to change and if it means making less profits then they should bite the bullet and get the tank filled up first and then worry about the nitty gritty that is hampering a good spectator experience.

Comment 82, posted at 11.11.13 12:24:08 by Salmonoid the Subtle

@robdylan (Comment 79) : Another option would be to remove the New East stand and play the “old KP” that way the stadium will be easier filled. The Finals and Semi’s you play and MMD.

Comment 83, posted at 11.11.13 12:26:21 by Uli

The only thing that will get people back to the stadium, whichever one it is, is for the Sharks to consistently play winning rugby in both the S15 and Currie Cup. When the pride returns, so will the people.

Winning a S15 title is crucial!

Comment 84, posted at 11.11.13 12:30:35 by rhineshark

@Tintin (Comment 78) : Hahaha id love to live in your world. Im sure the struggling municipality would welcome the idea that a massive brand like the sharks will pay minimum rent…hahaha The rent will be sky high. @robdylan (Comment 77) : yes rob u right, can Smitty justify an upgrade to his board when the possibility of a move in 3years could be on the cards, i doubt it. I think the bare minimum will be done in terms of repairs and maintenance while deals are structured with the municipality over a move. Remember the Municipality have made a huge loss on the construction of MM so they will want to recover some of that loss as quick as possible. I liked the idea of Sharks preseason games at MM but then I thought of the cost involved in terms of having to repair the turf and running a game under lights at MM is very expensive.

Comment 85, posted at 11.11.13 12:31:19 by SheldonK

@Uli (Comment 80) : But as KSA has already pointed out, Smittie has already tried to make the game more viable on 2 occasions by making attendance free and even that had little uptake. Im sure that having no live coverage would encourage 1000′s of people to attend the games live, of course the experience must be a great one at a reasonable cost as well.

Comment 86, posted at 11.11.13 12:31:21 by Salmonoid the Subtle

@Richard Ferguson (Comment 50) : I’m a Sheppie boy. When were you Matric there Rich?

Comment 87, posted at 11.11.13 12:32:35 by StevieS

@rhineshark (Comment 84) : How many currie cups have we won and how many final have we made in the last 5 years!!! Jeez province would kill for a team like ours!!!

Comment 88, posted at 11.11.13 12:32:36 by Tintin

@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 86) : I am just asking but did they even market it? I for one only read about it on this website.

Comment 89, posted at 11.11.13 12:32:48 by Uli

@Uli (Comment 89) : Here in Durban, its almost as if it is a sin to market something. One of the reasons concerts, plays etc almost never gets good numbers is because its never advertised. Sometimes you see a stray poster on a lamp pole about some band etc that you would like to see, only to strain your eyes and see that the date has passed already

I would not even care if we didn’t make the CC final next year if we can win a Super Rugby trophy.

Comment 93, posted at 11.11.13 12:43:46 by rhineshark

I’m not a season ticket holder at the moment, and when I do go I can never get decent seats. This is by virtue of computicket having a useless allocation, and/or having to find time to go to the stadium to get tickets, which in this day and age is frankly mind-boggling. So the position of the seats are really quite annoying when you arrive at the game and see prime empty seats everywhere. So some variation on the Saracens idea needs to be implemented, even if your names go into a draw and once the game is started you get an sms to move to said prime empty seats….just thinking out loud.
The ‘Family area’ which I believe is behind the posts? Ridiculous, if you want me back with wife and toddlers in tow, move it to a more reasonable position!
I do think the MM option is a viable, provided they can utilise the track for seats. In order for this to happen the field would have to be sunk below it’s current level….I’m no expert but it must be possible.
If we can put seats on the track we can remove seats higher up for boxes.

Comment 94, posted at 11.11.13 12:46:32 by neilster

I think there are some great suggestions and some not so great. I think the article should have pointed out the following: The Sharks arent moving anywhere in the next 3yrs. The alcohol ban is mostly not going to be lifted by Municipality. The stadium is not going to be massively upgraded. And the Parlotones are not going to sing for us…

Comment 95, posted at 11.11.13 12:48:00 by SheldonK

Reserve 1000 – 2000 tickets each game for school kids/families from disadvantaged communities. Get a few of the players to hand out these tickets at their schools and organise transport for them to and from the game. Organise some touch-rugby matches between these schools before the game. The future of the Sharks lies in making the brand appealing to a wider set of demographics and a younger generation. Two birds, one stone.

Comment 96, posted at 11.11.13 12:48:49 by vanmartin

@Uli (Comment 89) : I dont know, I saw it here and on the Shrks website. Im not in Durban (more than 100 km away, he, he) so have no idea what promo’s there were. I would hope that the Sharks have seriously goo relations with ALL radio stations and not only ECR.

Comment 97, posted at 11.11.13 12:51:19 by Salmonoid the Subtle

They should have designated beer tent/ closed off braai type areas on the outer fields. That way the alcohol consumption would be concentrated and security of these areas would be easier managed.

Comment 98, posted at 11.11.13 12:54:10 by KingRiaan

@rhineshark (Comment 93) : I agree with you regarding our SR form, but it also not as bad as it seems. For people to say we need to win more and have more pride is think thats scrapping the barrel of excuses out there. I do think people of bored of the whole product, needs to re packaged and made a lot more affordable

Comment 99, posted at 11.11.13 13:00:08 by Tintin

Its quite simple. A average family of 4 can go to the movies for around R250 including parking, some popcorn etc. Do they go every week – No! Probably not every month either … Maybe every second month, because it comes down to more than just cost. Its also about the experience.

Cost is certainly the primary factor hindering people from going in the first place and ticket prices, when compared to other entertainment available, are expensive. If it came in at R40-R60 a ticket people would start prioritising rugby. Parking is also grudge buy and it is now up to around R50 a trip. A trip to the pav is R5 for 3 hours in the economy parking.

You need to start getting the school kids in now if you want to sustain and grow a supported base in Durban. The reality is I’m in my mid 30s. Out of my matric class there are 3 of us in Durban. About half of the remaining ones are in Gauteng and the rest are overseas in either the UK or Australia/NewZealand.
Continuing to market to a 30 something audiance is unsustainable. There is just not the numbers left in Durban.

I would suggest targeting kids in primary school for free entry. Families in the upper stands have considerably reduced rates. Limiting season ticket sales to make good seats available at a premium.

Possibly introduce free entry if you come in before a certain time and use the school matches as a driver to get more people in.

Variety in food products – I counted about 3 vendors at the moment.

Comment 100, posted at 11.11.13 13:01:12 by byron

And if none of the above work then be brave enough to relocate to Woodburn stadium or even to Port Elizabeth.

Comment 101, posted at 11.11.13 13:02:23 by Salmonoid the Subtle

My advice to John would be to employ a marketing company to conduct a formal survey with all stakeholders – Fans, Players, Administrators, sponsors and the public at large. Based on the results/trends/findings formulate a marketing/PR strategy and implement. While they look at marketing they should seriously review their PR and communications at the Sharks, it was shocking in the last six months.

Comment 102, posted at 11.11.13 13:04:26 by Observer

@KingRiaan (Comment 21) : I agree. I’ve often said to friends we need to get a bunch of us and go. Most are not keen especially the ladies. Numbers doesn’t necessarily mean safety either, but I still think the idea is a great one.

@byron (Comment 100) : I think you are onto something…fill the stadium with school especially the ones from disadvantaged areas

Comment 105, posted at 11.11.13 13:06:57 by Tintin

Currie Cup ticket prices are reasonable except when it comes to big games like playoffs. Super Rugby tickets could be less. The test match is also a ridiculous price for us Durbanites…charge half the price and get more than double the fans which means more money. Transport is also a big thing cos drunk driving is a much bigger issue compared to previous years when people didn’t mind taking risks. Rugby fans are big drinkers. Having 1 biggish unclear screen in the whole stadium is also not great. Buying tickets on Computicket is awful cos they only sell the tickets up in the heavens where u can hardly see the field. U actually have to go to the stadium to get a decent ticket which is a shlep for some people. Sitting in the stand and see’ing the section behind the players always empty is frustrating. The seats are for Gold Season Ticket Holders but they never seem to go to the games. Keep some tickets for fans to buy. I have a season ticket and during the year they just changed the section to a family section so no drinks allowed there. Have to go find other seats and hope no1 tells u to move. Would be good if season ticket holders would give their tickets to friends if they can’t make it to a game cos majority of seats are for ticket holders which then makes the stadium look so empty.

Comment 106, posted at 11.11.13 13:10:24 by Shones

@KingRiaan (Comment 3) : hay, easy on the hobbits. we have feelings you know

Every one calling for a move to MM and the demolishment of KP must remember that such an undertaking will be a long term project, where the Sharks are in need of getting bums in seats asap

Comment 110, posted at 11.11.13 13:30:56 by KingRiaan

@Shones (Comment 106) : Just on the seating, you have to remember that SARu tells the Sharks that they have to keep about 500 tickets available in the gold zone for the test match officials. So those people that go regularly and want those seats as season tickets cant get them. U can apparently get a few on match days however. But a lot of people who wud get season tickets if they could get that area get pissed off cos they cant get and end up not buying anyway. Also when they announce attendance at the stadium they assume that all the boxes are full and all season ticket holders are there which we all know is incorrect. So the actual attendance is a lot less.

Comment 111, posted at 11.11.13 13:39:17 by SheldonK

@SheldonK (Comment 95) : if that’s the case then you dead in the water and all other suggestions are merely rearranging the deck chairs

Comment 112, posted at 11.11.13 13:57:41 by benji

@West Indies Cricket Board (Comment 17) : That’s right stop giving the season ticket holders the prime seats. They only play for the whole season and attend most of the matches. Bright idea. The computicket system is a joke so it does make it difficult for non season ticket holders to get decent seats. I know Loftus and Newlands don’t have that problem with their ticket system.

Comment 113, posted at 11.11.13 14:00:14 by markp

@SheldonK (Comment 111) : No they don’t they rely on the count at the gates. Some matches have had less than the total season ticket holders in attendance.

Comment 114, posted at 11.11.13 14:02:45 by markp

You cannot provide or serve a substandard product even if its for free,there will be no takers,the Sharks stupid arrogance toward its fans needs to change firstly,the fans have spoken and the stafium is empty

Comment 115, posted at 11.11.13 14:02:55 by benji

@markp (Comment 114) : How do they rely on gate counts? Do u see scanners at the gates? People ticking off numbers? Cos i havnt been to those games. All ive seen are a few aged people clipping tickets.

@Morné (Comment 22) : A move to MM will destroy the game for the avid fan. If they had the sense to see the only future for MM was to be the home of Sharks rugby and built it accordingly then it would have worked. As it is you will be so far away from the action you will end up watching most of the game on the big screen so you might as well be at home watching it on TV. The main reason why many do not go to the stadium now because the TV coverage is so good, a move to MM will make the situation worse.

Comment 118, posted at 11.11.13 14:16:55 by markp

Dropping the prices, increasing the entertainment changing the parking and seating arrangements will not make more people come to the game. The biggest problem with Durban supporters is their attitude. It is too much of an effort for many to go to the stadium and easier to watch the excellent TV coverage. You can also watch the other games that are televised before and after. The decline I believe started with the change of the Super Rugby format. We are playing the same local teams too often. It has got boring with too much of the same. Then there was the unfortunate incident which was managed badly and upset many regular patrons of the game and the resulting restrictions turned even more away. There were high expectations this year and we failed to live up to them in Super Rugby, as the season wore on fewer people came to watch. Then we went and lost our first home CC game to Griquas and then add the number of Friday night games which always have low attendance and you will see the pattern. It’s not one or two things but a number of things added up and added to the apathy of the Durban public and you have this problem.
1) Better ticket availability for non season ticket holders.
2) Better traffic control and access to the ground, park and ride etc.
3) Improved curtain raisers with shorter gaps between the games.
4) Competitive pricing and specials, ladies day, scholars day etc.
5) Better schedule, if most games are at 3pm or 5pm you will get a better crowd. It doesn’t matter to the spectator at the ground if there is a game on at the same time you can’t watch he match before or after anyway. During the Currie Cup we should have 2 games at 3 pm and two at 5 pm. Nothing on Friday and get rid of the silly 7pm idea.
6) Change the format of the Super 15 to include different opposition.
7) Good marketing and advertising will always help and it has been poor for a number of seasons now.
8) And the biggest attraction:- bring back Windhoek to the stadium pubs. See how the attendance fell away when there was no Windhoek.

Comment 119, posted at 11.11.13 14:36:34 by markp

@markp (Comment 119) :
I like the idea of scheduling games at the same time, 2 at 5pm and 2 at 3pm. That way even if you want to watch the other games, you would have to PVR it and watch it at another time.

Comment 120, posted at 11.11.13 14:40:41 by Letgo

Coming back to my pet hate – get rid of that dreadful Sharkie and bring back the old one! The kids don’t flock to this one and he only spends ten minutes round and about. I’ve got front row seats and see how many of the kids want to interact with turtle sharkie and it isn’t a lot. I think we need to attract families back and therefore there needs to be kiddie entertainment as most of them don’t particularly want to watch the rugby!
They also forgot the SHARKS LADIES BREAKFAST this year – sies!
I’m not a drinker but the drinking ban certainly does seem to have had a huge impact.

Comment 121, posted at 11.11.13 15:05:33 by Scooby55

@markp (Comment 113) : i know at loftus u can buy your ticked at ticketpro.co.za any seat pay with your credit card and pick up your ticket at any postnet that seems to work

Comment 122, posted at 11.11.13 15:09:35 by sharks4eve2013

until people stop behaving like pigs at public events count me out.Groups of single men are the worst,people smoke were they shouldn’t,swear as loudly as they can in front of my wife and mates daughters,just ends up a big fight.

Comment 123, posted at 11.11.13 15:36:10 by bobby 26

@bobby 26 (Comment 123) : we’re unfortunately a bit of a shitty species at times.

Comment 124, posted at 11.11.13 15:47:13 by robdylan

@bobby 26 (Comment 123) : Ever been to the UK? We in SA are nothing close to those dudes.

While I don’t agree with all of that, you will never be able to stop or remove it from any public place.

Comment 125, posted at 11.11.13 16:15:29 by Uli

@markp (Comment 119) : I agree totally 7pm game is way out for anyone with a small child, even 5pm is pushing it.

Oh what a load of kak. Durban has almost exactly the same size population as Cape Town. And Newlands is pretty full, week in, week out.

Comment 130, posted at 11.11.13 17:37:08 by VinChainSaw

Another idea would be Ref link which is usually available at the UK stadiums – it’s just a little radio with an earpiece tuned into the same frequency at the Referees microphone. The only thing I miss when I’m at the stadium is being able to hear the reasoning behind some of the decisions

Comment 131, posted at 11.11.13 18:02:18 by Scooby55

@robdylan (Comment 127) : Can you remember my proposal to the Sharks that I emailed you about a year and half ago? You dont think “tweaking” that is back on the cards? That was a way for all fans to get closer and feel more part of the Sharks family than ever. It was by no means a perfect proposal but it is not a bad idea for interaction between the union and the fans

Comment 132, posted at 11.11.13 18:30:11 by Bakmister

@Bakmister (Comment 132) : can you send it to me again? I clearly have a short memory

Comment 133, posted at 11.11.13 18:34:06 by robdylan

@robdylan (Comment 133) : I have sent you a link to my drive, let me know if you problems

Comment 134, posted at 11.11.13 18:46:30 by Bakmister

Some great ideas! I especially like the one about the family area. I have two small kids & I’d like to take them to the game without having to worry about what the guy next to me might say or do! Also bring back curtain raisers. The U21 team or Vodacom Cup game before the main match so you can see who the next best players are… we once drove out to Glenwood Old Boys just to see Andre Joubert play a warm-up game after an injury! Also make to players more accessable. The 10min signing session after the Cheethahs semi-final was pretty poor. My son got one signature…! It was Bissie though

@Stef (Comment 129) : I have had tickets on and off on KP3/4 during that same 10 years. I just ask someone to go to Rovers and see when they are available and invariably they are. I will be trying to get one again this year.

@Scooby55 (Comment 121) : Turtle Sharkie, I just call him the humpback whale. They should have much more entertainment for the kids, before, during and after the game.

Comment 137, posted at 12.11.13 08:42:00 by Stitch

@VinChainSaw (Comment 130) :Not true, The population number means nothing in this instance. Simply the vast majority of Durbans population are not rugby followers while huge portions of the Western Cape and Eastern Capes populations are rugby followers ie they have a bigger pool to draw from.

Comment 138, posted at 12.11.13 11:51:01 by Salmonoid the Subtle

@markp (Comment 119) : I think the suggestion of earlier games is a good one… bring back the 3pm kick offs and we’ll see a huge improvement.

By the time you fight the traffic home after a 7pm game its ridiculously late, especially if you have kids with you

Comment 139, posted at 12.11.13 14:41:15 by CS

@CS (Comment 139) : I think SARU in conjunction with Supersport dictate the times so thats kind of out the hands of the Sharks.

In football and baseball in the USA, it seems that fan attendance and even team performance tend to increase quite a bit whenever a team moves into a new stadium. They are also designing the new stadiums with the “fan experience” as a top priority. All kinds of entertainments and hospitality places inside and around the stadium. In Phoenix they have a swimming pool in the baseball stadium.

In Atlanta the baseball team just announced they’ll be moving into a $600M new stadium in a suburb in 2016. They’re not satisfied with their downtown stadium and the area surrounding it anymore, even though it is not even 20 years old. Built brand new for ’96 Olympics, used for 3 weeks and then specially modified for Baseball at great cost.

Some of you may feel it’s special for your team to play in an antiquated dump, but most casual fans don’t.

In the USA, selling tickets via exchanges or craigslist or ebay is standard practice. A guy I work with has football season tickets, but attend only 3 or 4 games a year himself. Most of the time, the tickets go for face value. Sometimes he makes a profit. The team gets a fee on each transaction. The stadium is completely full 99% of the time.

Comment 143, posted at 13.11.13 05:07:06 by fyndraai

@fyndraai (Comment 143) : If the stadiums are 99% full why do they find it necessary to move – obviously people are happy with the experience and also when 99% full that leaves very little room for the increase in fan attendance as you mentioned earlier.

Maybe US sports team owners are just as heavily involved in the property market and building trade as they are into sports.

Comment 144, posted at 13.11.13 10:13:45 by Salmonoid the Subtle

One of the biggest attractions to Kings park has always been the pre and post braais on the B field. I remember the first time at Kings Park as a 12 year old and the festivity was just out of this world. I think in recent time this has deteriorated and I think the ticket sales show this. I hope to bring my son soon so that he and his mates can play some rugby on the field after the game while dad and mates braai (and have a beer or two). Unfortunately, I am one who doesn’t like braaing without a beer in my hand; and I guess that is true for many.

We all love Kings Park for the Atmosphere and the entertainment. But as Most have agreed on The Sound System at Growthpoint Kings Park is not to the Same Standards. Dave Macleod is a great presenter and very passionate about the Sharks, but I feel we should get someone New and upbeat, new Music and to create a vibe that no Rugby stadium in the World can compete. And I know the Perfect Guy >>>>>>> ME !!

Comment 146, posted at 13.11.13 14:17:44 by garethkorb

@robdylan (Comment 67) : @fyndraai (Comment 143) : Nice idea to be able to buy tickets closer to the game. For someone like me who lives 500km from Durbs it would be nice to be able to get nice tickets close to the game and not have to sit with my family way up near the top, looking out at all the empty season ticket seats next to the field. Maybe the tickets can be traded via the Sharks website (like a ebay setup)with maybe 20% of each sale going to the Sharks?

Comment 147, posted at 13.11.13 22:03:04 by JD

@JD (Comment 147) : dude tired of plucking angel feathers,forget computicket,go buy on the day and you will get great seats,the days of sitting behind the posts or full stadium ended in 2009:

Comment 148, posted at 13.11.13 22:31:15 by benji

@Shred (Comment 145) : B field is so empty these days your sons entire school team could play a game without bumping into anybody,its so bad they crying for payment of these tickets from last month already,eish

Comment 149, posted at 13.11.13 22:37:17 by benji

Height restrictions at turnstiles so only shorties can enter and sit comfortably in those horrid seats,mattresses fitted at the bottom of all stairs so when you trip down those dangerous steep steps you don’t crack your head open,gum boots for all on entering those broken down toilets

Comment 150, posted at 13.11.13 23:17:26 by benji

Right, so tough for me to comment as the only game I’ve had the opportunity to watch live in the past 9 years was the Sharks vs Saders at Wembley stadium.

My general tips would be to make it as easy as possible for people to get tickets and to the game.

One thing I do like to do when buying tickets for various events in London is the ability to choose my seats via a stadium map.

Can you get etickets with select seat facilities? If currently not in place, what about having that just for the Red, White and Bronze zones. Throw in a Sharks app on smart phones that uses QR Reader.

Are people on contactless cards in SA? If so what about registering your card with the Sharks and swipe to enter a particular area on a first come first serve basis? Possibly have say 500 (thumbsuck) unreserved seats for this facility. Probably a relatively small percentage of people would use this but there are many who can’t predict if they can make to the game until match day. Would be ideal for people who have to works shifts like police, fire fighters, etc.

When I lived in Durbs I literally lived a stone throw from the stadium so never knew how easy/difficult parking was. By the sounds of things its a nightmare. How can this be improved? I would prefer watching the game on TV than driving around aimlessly trying to find parking miles from the stadium and then constantly worry if my car would still be there after the game.

Might get shot down by this but is the braai thing really needed? I’ve never did the braai after the game as was always off to 80s post game. Could these areas not be used to book parking instead?

Baseball stadiums typically seats around 40-50K and average attendance is around 25Ks. At 150 or so games per season per team, it adds up to a pretty number, but there’s lots of room for higher numbers still.

Football stadiums are mostly 60-70K and are almost always sold out. You only ever see empty seats when teams are really really struggling and even then it is normally 80-90% full.
Why they want to move still? I don’t really know, but they do. Thirty year old stadiums are just not acceptable to the team owners. If the city won’t build them a new one they will move the team to another that will. They normally don’t own the stadiums, but they do get the bulk of the revenues from it.

The Atlanta football team is getting a new stadium also. The current one was only opened in 1992. Practically brand new, but it will be demolished as soon as the new one right nearby is complete.

My point is not to compare markets. The US and Sa are very different places. Just pointing out that there’s lots of value from moving to a new stadium. The Sharks don’t have to own it, they just have to extract the right deal for using it. Snubbing their noses at the brand new facility next door always was/is a bad move.

Look at the demographics and sport preference of the population in each city.

There are far less rugby watching people in Durban than CT regardless of the population.

Indians are not massive followers of Rugby whereas coloureds love the game.
The Zulus here are also not huge players or supporters of rugby, preferring soccer instead.
Which leaves whites of which there are far many within spitting distance of Newlands than there are to KP.

Comment 153, posted at 14.11.13 08:52:01 by John Galt

@fyndraai (Comment 152) : Interesting, all of it.
So a baseball player plays a game about every 3 days..they probably have a massive and effective rotational system. It sounds like massive overkill from a fans point of view.
Is the building of new stadiums common to both baseball as well as football?
When a team uproots from one city and relocates to another do they keep their name and fan base or is it new start from scratch?

Sorry for all the questions but I find it interesting. The Americans sure do things on a grand scale.

Comment 154, posted at 14.11.13 10:18:46 by Salmonoid the Subtle

@fyndraai (Comment 152) : The Minnesota Vikings are also getting a new stadium. Interestingly, the Packers can technically never move from Wisconsin due to fan-issued shares (which helped cover renovation costs to Lambeau Field).

It varies. Some of the older teams have moved around several times. The LA Dodgers were once in Brooklyn. The Atlanta Braves originated in NY also, but moved to Atlanta in the 1960′s from Milwaukee. The Oakland Raiders were once the LA Raiders. The Indianapolis Colts were once, the Baltimore Colts, who now host the Ravens, who were once the Cleveland Browns, who now host an expansion team named Cleveland Browns also. In Houston, in the 90′s, the baseball: Astros and football: Oilers were sharing the Astrodome, built in the 1960s with state of the art “astroturf”. Both demanded new stadiums and they did not want to share any more. The city was only willing to build one new stadium for baseball. The Oilers singed a deal with Nashville, to play as the Titans, but played in Memphis for 2 years whilst Nashville was building the stadium. In Houston they were perennial bottom dwellers, but in Nashville they quickly became a contending team, going all the way to the Superbowl one year.
Meantime Houston decided to build a new stadium after all and made a bid for an expansion team. Now they host the Texans: perennial bottom dwellers.

Kinda crazy, but it all boils down to teams wanting better stadiums and better deals and cities finding life without an NFL team intolerable.

There’s the key as I see it.
The Sharks should have a lot of leverage with the city for getting a good deal on the new stadium, they just need to press the right buttons.

The Packers have a unique set up, but I think those “shares” are a bit of a fake. They pay no dividends and you cannot trade them. Essentially the team needed cash and could have moved or sold out if it was not forthcoming. The fans donated the funds in exchange for pretty pieces of paper and a promise to stay put. That is, until the team needs money again!

Comment 157, posted at 14.11.13 18:46:16 by fyndraai

@fyndraai (Comment 156) : there are some huge college football stadiums in usa.the record attendandce for a college football game is 115 109 at michigan stadium (michigan vs notre dame)!

Comment 158, posted at 14.11.13 18:53:05 by 50shadesofblackandwhite

The home of ucla,the rosebowl,seats 92 542.and the 2010 tickets ranged from $22 -1097.
Michigan stadium has ticket prices ranging from $44-999.but get this??michigan has not had a crowd under 100 000 since 1975??!

Comment 159, posted at 14.11.13 19:06:26 by 50shadesofblackandwhite

@fyndraai (Comment 157) : The most amazing thing (as I heard it from Appelton residents) is that fans were put on waiting lists for the chance to buy those worthless pieces of paper which as you rightly point out don’t pay dividends and shares were limited per fan so no one fan has enough of a share to allow for voting rights. Three things happen in Wisconsin:
1. They make cheese
2. They drink beer
3. They support the Packers